A stroke occurs when blood flow to the brain is blocked or a vessel bursts, leading to brain cell damage. It is a major cause of disability and death, making early recognition and treatment essential.

Types of Stroke:

• Ischemic stroke (80% of cases): A clot blocks an artery, cutting off oxygen.
• Hemorrhagic stroke: A blood vessel bursts, causing bleeding and brain damage.

The severity depends on the affected brain area, potentially leading to weakness, paralysis, or cognitive issues.

Symptoms

Stroke symptoms appear suddenly and require urgent medical attention:

• Weakness/paralysis: Usually on one side of the body.
• Speech difficulties: Slurred speech (dysarthria) or trouble understanding/expressing language (aphasia).
• Vision problems: Blurred, double vision, or loss of peripheral vision.
• Loss of coordination: Trouble walking, dizziness, or ataxia.
• Severe headache: Often sudden and intense in hemorrhagic strokes.
• Confusion/loss of consciousness: Disorientation or fainting.

Recognizing these signs early and seeking immediate medical help can improve outcomes.

Risk Factors and Causes

Modifiable Risk Factors:

• High blood pressure – The leading cause of strokes.
• Diabetes & high cholesterol – Damage blood vessels and promote clotting.
• Obesity & inactivity – Increase the risk of stroke-related conditions.
• Smoking & excessive alcohol – Contribute to clot formation.
• Heart disease (e.g., atrial fibrillation) – Can trigger embolic strokes.

Non-Modifiable Risk Factors:

• Age – Risk rises after 55.
• Gender – Men have a slightly higher risk, but women face worse outcomes.
• Family history – Genetic predisposition matters.
• Ethnicity – African Americans and Latinos have higher stroke rates.

Stroke Treatment

Emergency Care

Rapid treatment is essential. At the hospital, diagnostic tests such as CT scans and MRIs determine whether the stroke is ischemic or hemorrhagic.

Ischemic Stroke Treatment

1. Thrombolytics: tPA (tissue plasminogen activator) dissolves clots if administered within 4.5 hours.
2. Mechanical thrombectomy: A catheter removes large clots in major arteries.

Hemorrhagic Stroke Treatment

1. Blood pressure control: Prevents further bleeding.
2. Surgery: May be needed to remove blood, repair vessels, or relieve pressure.
3. Intensive care monitoring: Manages brain swelling and other complications.

Long-Term Stroke Management and Rehabilitation